Walkathon creates awareness on Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

UDHAGAMANDALAM: Tourism minister K Ramachandran flagged off the Enchanting Nilgiris – Walkathon 2023 in Ooty on Monday.
Over 2,000 people, including students, social and environmental activists, members of merchants’ associations, and government officials took part in the event, conducted as part of bicentennial celebrations of Ooty.
The walkathon started from Wenlock Downs and passed through Finger Post, Thamizhagam Road, Hill Bunk, St.Stephen’s Church and Charing Cross to finish at HADP open auditorium.
The event aims to create awareness about the eco-sensitive Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the minister said. “The Tamil Nadu chief minister inaugurated the Ooty-200 celebrations last May. The government has sanctioned 10 crore for the year-long celebrations,” he added.
A photo exhibition on the Nilgiris was inaugurated at the RCTC building on Garden Road in Ooty on Sunday. The event, showcasing rare flora and fauna of the Nilgiris and its indigenous people, will be open to the public till May 31.
The minister was accompanied by Nilgiris MP A Raja and collector S P Amrith.
“It’s our duty to protect the environment and forests of the Nilgiris,” Raja said.